1.
GV Deserted streets in Paris (2 shots)
0.13

2.
SVs Shops closed for holidays (3 shots)
0.21

3.
GV Traffic on Champs Elysees
0.24

4.
GTV & PAN Diverted traffic (2 shots)
0.37

5.
SV "No entry" and "one-way" signs & policeman directing traffic (2 shots)
0.43

6.
GV People walking along Champs Elysees
0.53

7.
MCU & SV People walking across place De La Concorde (3 shots)
1.18

8.
SV People sit on chairs in middle of road (2 shots)
1.26

9.
GV Crowds walking along Champs Elysees
1.33



Initials BB/1705 GB/CD/BB/1750



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Some of the most famous parts of Paris were reserved for pedestrians only on Friday (15 August).

Included in the new "zones of calm" were the vast forecourt of Notre Dame Cathedral, the Pont au Double over the Seine, the Tuileries Gardens, the Place De La Concorde and for most of the Champs Elysees.

Pedestrians and tourists took full advantage of their new areas, and dragged chairs into the middle of the Champs Elysees which assumed a sidewalk cafe atmosphere.

The move is part of a plan to help boost tourism to Paris. The French capital is one of the less bright spots in a review of the booming holiday season just made public by the Tourism Department.

Many local businessmen and residents have deserted Paris to spend their annual holidays in the south. The city has had an empty appearance in recent weeks. However, the new "zones" have given it much more of a holiday mood.